Ohioline - pollinatorshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/tags/pollinators
enSelecting Hydrangeas for the Home Landscapehttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">HYG-1263</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2018-07-20T00:00:00-04:00">07/20/2018</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Eric Barrett, Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mahoning County</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow with a variety of flower colors and sizes. The popularity of hydrangeas has grown tremendously during recent years. As a group, they can bloom from May through fall and have features that garner interest into early winter. Their name, hydrangea, comes from the Greek words “hydor” meaning water, referring to the plant’s preference for moisture, and “aggeion” meaning vessel, referring to the shape of the seed capsule (Oregon State University, 2015). Below are pictures of common hydrangeas grown in Ohio.</p>
<h3><strong>Selecting Hydrangeas</strong></h3>
<p>This fact sheet will help Ohio gardeners select hydrangeas based on the ability to attract pollinators, plant maintenance needs, and site requirements. Gardeners will also be able to compare the different hydrangea species for maintenance, bloom size, timing of flowers, and other unique characteristics. There are six species of hydrangeas commonly grown in Ohio. In this fact sheet, bigleaf (<em>Hydrangea macrophylla</em>) and mountain <em>(Hydrangea serrata)</em> will be discussed together based on their similarities.</p>
<p>The cultivars discussed in this fact sheet are based on observations through several growing seasons, as well as documentation in the literature. Other cultivars not listed or discussed will grow in Ohio, but there is simply not enough room or local research experience to list them properly. There are too many new hydrangeas on the market each year to list all possibilities for gardening success in Ohio. Gardeners must continue to observe new cultivars and perform basic research to make the best selection for their garden. A chart is included at the end of this fact sheet which summarizes the species discussed to further aid gardeners in selecting of plants for their gardens.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:100%"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Double Delights Perfection'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Double-Delights-Perfection-1.jpg" style="height:287px; width:250px" title="Hydrangea macrophylla" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ in early bloom" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Snowflake.jpg" style="height:287px; width:237px" title="Hydrangea quercifolia" /></td>
</tr><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Honey bee on Hydrangea paniculata ‘Great Star’ with elongated petals" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Great-Star-1.jpg" style="height:270px; width:250px" title="Hydrangea paniculata" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea arborescens ‘Invincibelle Spirit’" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Invincibelle-Spirit-1.jpg" style="height:270px; width:234px" title="Hydrangea arborescens" /></td>
</tr><tr><td colspan="2">
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph">Common hydrangeas grown in Ohio: <em>Hydrangea macrophylla </em>‘Double Delights<sup>TM</sup> Perfection' (top left), <em>Hydrangea quercifolia</em> ‘Snowflake<sup>TM</sup>’ in early bloom, honey bee on <em>Hydrangea paniculata</em> ‘Great Star<sup>TM</sup>’ with elongated petals (bottom left), and <em>Hydrangea arborescens</em> ‘Invincibelle<sup>®</sup> Spirit’.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h3><strong>Choosing the Right Plant</strong></h3>
<p>There are many characteristics of hydrangeas to consider when choosing the right plant for the landscape. To get started, there are two main features of particular importance for hydrangeas: flower hardiness and the ability to attract pollinators.</p>
<p><em><strong>Flower Hardiness: Old Wood vs. New Wood</strong></em><br />
Some hydrangeas may not bloom each year in certain parts of Ohio because of cold weather or improper pruning habits. The challenge is based on whether the buds are formed on old or new wood.</p>
<ul><li>Old wood refers to the previous year’s growth. The buds for the current year’s flowers were formed the year before, usually in August. If these cultivars are pruned or cut down in the fall, there will be little to no bloom the next year.</li>
<li>New wood refers to the current year’s growth. Cultivars that bloom on new wood set their buds during the year in which they bloom. These plants can be pruned in the fall or the very early spring.</li>
<li>Bigleaf hydrangeas (<em>H. macrophylla</em> cultivars) bloom on old wood and will lose their flower buds when exposed to USDA hardiness zone 5 temperatures and lower. USDA has developed hardiness zones from northern to southern Ohio, based on a 30-year average of temperatures. Ohio’s USDA hardiness zones range from 5b, where low temperatures average from –15 to –10 degrees F, to 6b, where low temperatures average from –5 to 0 degrees F (USDA, 2012). This map is based on a 30-year average, so Ohio does receive temperatures colder than this on a regular basis.</li>
<li>Some cultivars of bigleaf (<em>H. macrophylla</em>) and mountain (<em>H. serrate</em>) can bloom on old wood and new wood. Purchasing a plant that blooms on old and new wood provides gardeners with a higher chance of successful blooms each year. Providing winter protection will increase success even more. Details are reviewed within the discussion of each species in this fact sheet.</li>
</ul><p><em><strong>Attracting Pollinators</strong></em><br />
Attracting pollinators and providing food sources for them is a growing trend. Most gardeners think of hydrangeas as large, mophead-type blooms (see below) with mostly infertile flowers that do not provide the pollen necessary to attract pollinators. But, there are other cultivars of hydrangea which have fertile flowers which provide pollen and attract pollinators.</p>
<p>The hydrangea flower head includes both fertile and infertile flowers. The showy flowers are actually infertile flowers with showy sepals, which supports the petals. The less-noticed flowers have more visible flower parts and are typically fertile. The fertile flowers are highly attractive to pollinators on certain hydrangea cultivars. There are two general types of hydrangea flower heads:</p>
<ul><li>Mopheads—showy, infertile flowers with some fertile flowers in the center of the flower head that often go unnoticed </li>
<li>Lacecaps—combination of infertile and fertile flowers, usually with the infertile flowers around the outer edge of the flower head (Dirr, 2004).</li>
</ul><p>Thus, selecting hydrangeas with lacecap flower heads will be important in attracting pollinators to the garden.</p>
<p>When researching and conducting observations of cultivars for the Ohio Phenology Project, Ohio Master Gardener Volunteers identified that certain cultivars of oakleaf, smooth, and panicle hydrangeas were attracting a high level of some pollinators, in spite of previous beliefs that these hydrangeas would not attract pollinators. More research and observation is needed in this area to make a complete list of cultivars that are attractive to pollinators and so far the project suggests Oakleaf hydrangea flowers are frequently visited by pollinators.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:100%"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea paniculata 'Great Star'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Great-Star-2.jpg" style="height:260px; width:232px" title="Hydrangea paniculata" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea arborescens 'Invincibelle Spirit'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Invincibelle-Spirit-2.jpg" style="height:260px; width:254px" title="Hydrangea arborescens" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph">The fertile flowers of<em> Hydrangea paniculata </em>'Great Star<em><sup>TM</sup></em>' are attractive to pollinators.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph">Some species of<em> Hydrangea arborescens </em>such as 'Invincibelle<sup>®</sup> Spirit' have a few fertile flowers that are attractive to pollinators.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h3><strong>Site Selection and Planting</strong></h3>
<p><em><strong>Light</strong></em><br />
Hydrangeas are woodland plants so most species need some shade even if labeled as full sun. The amount of shade required will vary depending on soil quality and water availability. Many cultivars are listed as full sun to partial shade, including oakleaf and panicle types. Bigleaf cultivars require moderate shade due to their high water requirements.</p>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:275px"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanilla Strawberry’" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Vanilla-Strawberry.jpg" style="height:208px; width:250px" title="Hydrangea paniculata" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea paniculata </em>‘Vanilla Strawberry<sup>TM</sup>’ fades to dark pink and even purple when grown in partial shade, with less than four hours of sunlight per day.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>In the garden, most cultivars grown in full sun will have flowers that fade to brown more quickly with drooping leaves during the hottest part of the day. Increased watering can decrease these effects of full sun. On the other hand, dense shade will result in reduced foliage and smaller flowers on some cultivars.</p>
<p>Morning sun with shade in the afternoon is ideal for smooth, oakleaf, climbing, and panicle types. These species tolerate sunnier areas if proper soil and moisture conditions are maintained. Bigleaf hydrangeas require more shade, especially in the heat of the day.</p>
<p>The amount of sunlight received is a predictor of water use by certain hydrangeas (Fulcher, et al., 2017) and affects flower longevity on certain cultivars. For example, when researching <em>Hydrangea paniculata</em> ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ in two sites in Canfield, Ohio, interesting differences were noted. When planted in full sun, the blooms of this plant are vibrant for 3–4 weeks, then fade to brown. When planted in partial shade, these flowers are vibrant for six or more weeks, with blooms fading to dark pink, and even further with tinges of purple in late September and early October. Thus, the low exposure to sunlight in the shade impacts flower life and allows the unique attributes of the aged flowers to be expressed. Many other hydrangea cultivars in the research site had flowers that aged to a lime green color, but these turned brown in areas of full sun.</p>
<p>If planting hydrangeas near evergreen species, be sure to plant away from the roots or drip line. Many evergreens have shallow root systems that compete with hydrangeas for water.</p>
<p><em><strong>Proper Soil Conditions</strong></em><br />
Hydrangeas prefer a loam soil which has more sand and silt than clay. Hydrangeas need a well-drained soil that also has water-holding capacity. Thus, a loamy, well-drained soil is the perfect location for growing hydrangeas. Many areas of Ohio contain heavy clay soils. Because clay soils drain slowly and can hold moisture for periods of time, they provide poor conditions for hydrangeas. To improve soil conditions, gardeners should amend clay soils with organic matter before planting hydrangeas. If soil conditions are not improved, plant vigor will be reduced, plants become stressed and more susceptible to diseases as well as winter injury.</p>
<p>While hydrangeas need water, they do not like wet roots and require adequate drainage. Hydrangeas should not be planted in an area where water is slow to drain after rainfall. In these areas, raised beds should be considered to improve the drainage of the planting area.</p>
<h3><strong>Tips for care</strong></h3>
<p><em><strong>Water</strong></em><br />
Water needs of hydrangeas depend on the species, and even cultivars within a species may have different requirements. Bigleaf hydrangeas have the highest water needs and oakleaf have the lowest. All species should be watered thoroughly and and mulching hydrangeas will help hold moisture during dry spells. Bigleaf hydrangeas require special attention to watering, especially when exposed to hot sun for portions of the day. If leaves are drooping, gardeners should use drip irrigation or soaker hoses (Chappell et al. 2017).</p>
<p><em><strong>Disease Concerns</strong></em><br />
Contrary to popular belief, hydrangeas are susceptible to disease. While in the home garden there are few incidences of aggressive diseases but some injury may still occur. The most common diseases observed in hydrangeas are Cercospora leaf spot <em>(Cercospora hydrangea) </em>and powdery mildew. Cercospora leaf spot seems most common in newly purchased plants, which were grown in crowded spaces, and in oakleaf hydrangeas. Removing fallen leaves at the end of the season will reduce infection the following growing season for Cercospora leaf spot and most other common diseases. Powdery mildew symptoms look like baby powder sprinkled on the leaves of the plant. Thinning the plant when pruning and reducing some foliage to improve air circulation will help to reduce powdery mildew as well as other diseases.</p>
<p>Rainy and wet seasons provide ideal conditions for diseases to flourish. By planting hydrangeas in the proper location, with proper soil conditions and adequate space for the plants, most diseases can be minimized (Penn State University Extension, 2017).</p>
<p><em><strong>Insect Concerns</strong></em><br />
Aphids can build populations quickly on some flowers early in the season, especially on oakleaf hydrangeas. Aphids can be dislodged from the plant with a forced stream of water from a hose to provide effective control. Japanese beetles can be a concern on several species, so gardeners are encouraged to scout early for beetles. Effective control can be achieved if adults are picked off on a regular basis. An emerging concern is the hydrangea leaftier moth, which is showing up in landscapes in Ohio. Proper identification of insects or disease is important for effective control. Consult other fact sheets on <a href="https://ohioline.osu.edu">ohioline.osu.edu</a> or contact your OSU Extension office for information about identifying insects or diseases.</p>
<h3><strong>Species of Hydrangeas Grown in Ohio</strong></h3>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:255px"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Annabelle.jpg" style="height:243px; width:250px" title="Hydrangea arborescens" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea arborescens </em>‘Annabelle’ is a smooth hydrangea with a rounded flowerhead.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p><em><strong>Smooth Hydrangeas</strong><br />
Hydrangea arborescens</em> is native to North America. The plant is considered somewhat short, growing to only 3 feet tall each season. Flower heads are mounded and size depends on the species and pruning. Most years, this species will bloom at the end of May in southern Ohio and early June in northern Ohio. Cultivars of this species have either white, cream, pink, or lime green flowers. Flowers will fade to lime green later in the summer if ample moisture is available to the plant. Faded flowers remain through the part of the winter, even with most stems breaking and flower heads falling to the ground. This plant is ideal for USDA hardiness zone 4 and blooms on new wood each year. Smooth hydrangea can easily be divided for propogation in the fall of the year.</p>
<p>This plant can be cut down to less than 4 inches each year, either in late fall or very early spring before new growth begins to emerge. The cutting encourages more uniform flowers and a more formal look the next spring. Selective pruning of new growth in mid-spring to reduce the number of stems will produce larger blooms, with some flower heads measuring more than 12 inches across.</p>
<p>If the stems from the previous year are not pruned, the plant will have more blooms, but the blooms will be somewhat smaller and uneven, creating more of a cottage-garden feel.</p>
<p><em><strong>Oakleaf Hydrangeas</strong><br />
Hydrangea quercifolia</em> is native to North America. This species has a range of sizes, dependent on the cultivar. The plant can be short and rambling, or tall and stately. Shorter cultivars stay below 3 feet, but the branches tend to spread 2 to 4 feet in each direction in a rambling pattern. Taller cultivars get up to 8 feet tall. Flower heads are pyramidal, with single petal flowers staying mostly upright. The panicles can be 6 to 12 feet long and sometimes even longer. There are at least two cultivars that appear to have double blooms: ‘Snowflake’ and ‘Gatsby’s Star’. The weight of these blooms causes them to droop, making a unique feature in the landscape. Aging sepals will fade to pink and other shades of red as new sepals emerge above them. Full sun will fade the blooms to brown, so plants in dappled or spotty shade will have the longest flower life with the most interest. This species begins to bloom in mid-June throughout Ohio.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:100%"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea quercifolia, ‘Pee Wee’" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Pee-Wee.jpg" style="height:249px; width:250px" title="Hydrangea quercifolia" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea quercifolia" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Double-blooms-Hydrangea-quercifolia.jpg" style="height:249px; width:205px" title="Hydrangea quercifolia" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea quercifolia, </em>‘Pee Wee’, in early<br />
bloom is a shorter oakleaf option, growing<br />
about 3 feet tall.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph">The double blooms of<em> Hydrangea quercifolia </em><br />
are stunning drooping from the plant.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>The leaves of oakleaf hydrangeas are the most attractive attribute of this plant. As the common name implies, the leaves resemble an oak tree leaf. Some have rounded tips, while others have pointed tips. Leaves of this plant can be 12 inches long on some cultivars and the leaves have stunning red and purple fall colors. The fall color makes this a great replacement plant for the common burning bush, <em>Euyonymus alatus.</em></p>
<p>Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which means it blooms on previous year’s growth; the buds will survive low temperatures, even below zero. In the winters where temperatures go below –10 degrees F, buds may be damaged, resulting in partial bloom the next spring. At temperatures below –20 degrees F, all buds will be killed resulting in no flowers the following growing year.</p>
<p>This species can be propagated by layering. To layer, bend a lower branch to the ground in spring, cover it with soil, then a brick to keep it in place. Leave 6 to 8 inches of the tip out of the soil. This new layer can be removed for transplanting in the late fall or the following spring.</p>
<p><em><strong>Bigleaf and Mountain Hydrangeas</strong><br />
Hydrangea macrophylla</em> (bigleaf) and <em>Hydrangea serrata</em> (mountain) are similar in appearance and have blue or pink flowers, depending on cultivar and soil conditions. <em>Hydrangea serrata</em> is somewhat hardier than <em>Hydrangea macrophylla,</em> but less robust (Dirr, 2004). These two species are desired by gardeners for the showstopping blue and pink colors. Most of these hydrangeas have mophead flowers.</p>
<p>The cultivar ‘Nikko Blue’ is an industry standard and commonly sold in garden centers throughout Ohio for its size, number of flowers, and ability to be consistently blue in the right soil. Gardeners need to be aware that this plant blooms on old wood and thrives most when grown in a protected area or microclimate similar to southern Ohio. In colder areas of Ohio, winter protection is required or the blooms will be non-existent or sporadic. Winter protection is explained below. In years with no blooms, this plant will grow larger than other macrophylla cultivars and have beautiful green foliage.</p>
<p>Newer cultivars of bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old and new wood, and for most gardeners, these are the best options for success. Gardeners need to protect these plants during April freezes or the stressed plant will delay or reduce blooming for the season. Winter protection is still recommended. Most gardeners may not be successful with these plants simply because the site conditions are too harsh and the soil conditions are improper.</p>
<p><strong>Winter Protection: </strong>For cultivars that bloom on old wood, protection is needed for optimal blooms the next season. Protecting three buds is enough to ensure the next year’s blooms on these plants, so gardeners can prune back to just above the third bud, and apply winter protection such as piling with mulch, caging with leaves and compost, or other methods. The two bigger challenges to ensure blooms are to:</p>
<ol><li>Remove the winter protection once new leaf buds begin to emerge in late March.</li>
<li>Provide protection from hard frosts in April and early May.</li>
</ol><p>Winter protection may work well, but forgetting to protect from late spring frosts will make the effort futile.</p>
<p><strong>Troubleshooting When There Are No Blooms:</strong> If a gardener is experiencing no blooms on their plant, it could be a cultivar that only blooms on old wood and the blooms may be accidentally pruned off in the fall or spring of the year. If the cultivar is not known and there is not consistent blooming every year, then new growth should be observed for buds during the current growing season. If the plant only blooms on old wood, gardeners who can’t provide winter protection should choose a new cultivar that blooms on both old and new wood. Another reason for lack of blooms may be plant stress due to improper soil conditions, such as mostly clay soil with poor drainage. Soil conditions should be improved before planting this plant for optimal success. Gardeners should plan to water this plant during dry spells and whenever affected by exposure to hot sun. Bigleaf hydrangeas tend to have heavy nutrient needs, so a balanced fertilizer will ensure proper growth and flowering throughout the growing season.</p>
<p><strong>Blue or Pink Flowers:</strong> The soil pH and corresponding available aluminum in the soil makes the flowers of mountain and bigleaf hydrangeas appear blue or pink. At lower pH levels (acid soils), aluminum is more readily available to the plant and flowers become blue. At higher pH ranges (more alkaline soils), aluminum is less available and flowers are pink. The soil pH should be 5.5 or below to get consistent blue and 6.5 to 7.5 for consistent pink in mineral soils (Dirr, 2004). Gardeners should have the soil tested with a soil lab for an accurate pH measurement, along with the necessary information and recommendations to apply the correct amount of lime or sulfur for the desired flower color.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:100%"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea macrophylla Double Delights 'Perfection'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Double-Delights-Perfection-2.jpg" style="height:150px; width:205px" title="Hydrangea macrophylla Double Delights 'Perfection'" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-All-Summer-Beauty.jpg" style="height:150px; width:189px" title="Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea macrophylla 'Twist-n-Shout'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Twist-n-Shout.jpg" style="height:150px; width:181px" title="Hydrangea macrophylla 'Twist-n-Shout'" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea macrophylla </em>Double Delights<sup>TM</sup> 'Perfection'.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea macrophylla </em>'All Summer Beauty' in early bloom.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea macrophylla </em>'Twist-n-Shout'.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Raising pH in the soil takes longer than lowering; gardeners may need to wait a year before seeing a noticeable change from blue to pink flowers. Even when the pH is lowered, some flowers may not turn blue in a year as some soils may be high in phosphorus and possibly low in aluminum. This is significant because high phosphorus levels at low pH levels causes the phosphorus to react with the aluminum, making the aluminum phosphate unavailable to the plant. While a soil test will provide the level of phosphorus, there is usually an extra fee for an aluminum test; however, it’s needed if there are plans to have blue flowers in the future. A soil test should be taken each year if a consistent color is desired. </p>
<p>There is no absolute recommendation for an amount of sulfur or lime to change soil pH without a valid soil test for the garden site. Websites and publications that give a detailed recipe are not accurate for specific soil situations. Recommendations based on a soil test are the only way to be sure the desired color can be achieved for these hydrangeas. Like the oakleaf hydrangeas, this species can be propagated by layering. </p>
<p><em><strong>Climbing Hydrangeas</strong><br />
Hydrangea anomala</em> looks like a plant from a different family altogether, but is a member of the hydrangea family. The lacecap flowers become numerous once this plant is established. Flowers on this plant can be white to cream as well as pink on spp<em> glabra</em>, ‘Crug Coral’. This climbing vine attaches to structures with rootlike holdfasts, but eventually forms a shrublike configuration (Dirr, 2004). This versatility allows the plant to be grown as a shrub or trained to a trellis. The vines are very woody, with big, heavy branches requiring strong support. The leaves are glossy green in most cases, oval shaped, about 1 inch across, and pointed at the tip with fine serrated edges. The plant grows slowly for the first three years, and once established, grows rapidly. It blooms on old wood and is susceptible to desiccating winds in early spring if grown in the open. Growing this vine in a protected area, away from wind exposure will provide the highest amount of blooms and foliage. Usually, this is the north side of the home or structure. ‘Firefly’ is a variegated cultivar with dark green leaf centers and cream yellow to chartreuse green edges and features peeling, cinnamon-colored bark on older stems.</p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:355px"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Hydrangea-anomala.jpg" style="height:200px; width:350px" title="Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph">Close up of one bloom of <em>H. anomala petiolaris</em>.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p><em><strong>Panicle hydrangeas</strong><br />
Hydrangea paniculata</em> has been commonly called “Grandma’s PG” hydrangea. New cultivars of this species are continually released. The flower heads are primarily pyramidal in shape. Flower heads range from the full, packed flower heads of ‘Limelight’, to a combination of infertile and fertile flowers on ‘Tardiva’, to flowers that appear to not open such as ‘Little Lamb’. Flower color on this species include white, cream, lime green, pink, and even some with tinges of red. There are both tall and short versions; for example, ‘Limelight’ can be more than 8 feet tall or larger in the right location with a loam soil. Pruning these large, established plants to 24 inches after each season will result in a flush of growth the next spring with flower heads exceeding 12 inches in diameter. If a shorter height is desired, ‘Bobo’ will stay below 4 feet and provides a plethora of blooms. Compact cultivars are available that stay at 2 to 4 feet tall, reducing the need for pruning. Panicle hydrangeas are the only species available in tree form as the larger cultivars can be trained to one stem to appear tree-like.</p>
<p>While many hydrangeas leave interesting flower heads late into the fall and through the early winter, some paniculata cultivars will not lose their flower heads. <em>Hydrangea paniculata</em> ‘Limelight’ holds onto flower heads well into spring as new growth emerges. These can be unsightly in the garden but can be removed with pruning anytime after flowers fade. Cultivars such as ‘Great Star’ and ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ have flower attachments that are not as strong and will break off early in the winter, leaving a cleaner look in the garden in early spring without pruning.</p>
<p>This species can be propagated by layering. To layer, bend a lower branch to the ground in spring, cover it with soil, then a brick to keep it in place. Leave 6 to 8 inches of the tip out of the soil. This new layer can be removed for transplanting in the late fall or the following spring.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width:100%"><tbody><tr><td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lamb'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Little-Lamb.jpg" style="height:230px; width:248px" title="Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lamb'" /></td>
<td class="rtecenter"><img alt="Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'" class="no-caption" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Agriculture_and_Natural_Resources/HYG-1263-Limelight.jpg" style="height:230px; width:211px" title="Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea paniculata </em>'Little Lamb'.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p class="rtecenter smtxt-paragraph"><em>Hydrangea paniculata </em>'Limelight'.</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h3><strong>Selection Chart for Ohio Hydrangeas</strong></h3>
<p>This chart summarizes the species to aid gardeners in selecting of plants for their gardens. The notations are based on observations through several growing seasons, as well as documentation in the literature. Other cultivars not listed or discussed will grow in Ohio, there is simply not enough room or experience with other cultivars to list them properly. There are so many new hydrangeas on the market each year, that it is nearly impossible to list all possibilities for gardening success in Ohio. Gardeners must continue to observe new cultivars and do some basic research to make the best selection for the garden.</p>
<h5 class="rtecenter"><em><strong>Hydrangeas for Ohio</strong></em></h5>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:544.2"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Species</strong> (Type)</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Smooth</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea arborescens</em></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Oakleaf</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea quercifolia</em></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Bigleaf</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea macrophylla</em><br /><strong>Mountain</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea serrata</em></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Climbing</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea anomala</em></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Panicle</strong><br /><em>Hydrangea paniculata</em></td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Zone</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">3–9</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">5–9</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">5–9<br />
(somewhat 6–9)</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">4–7</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">3–8</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Selected Cultivars*</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">‘Annabelle’<br />
‘Grandiflora’<br />
‘Invincibelle Spirit’<br />
‘Invincibelle Spirit II’<br />
‘Incrediball’</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">‘Snow Queen’<br />
‘Alice’, ‘Gatsby Moon’<br />
‘Snowflake<sup>TM</sup>’ (Double) ‘Gatsby Star’ (Double)<br /><strong>Short:</strong> ‘Munchkin’, ‘Pee Wee’</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">‘Endless Summer’<br />
‘Blushing Bride’<br />
‘Twist ‘n Shout’<br />
‘Double Delights’ series<br />
‘Tuff Stuff’ series</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">ssp. <em>petiolaris</em><br />
ssp. <em>petiolaris </em>‘Firefly’ (variegated)<br />
ssp. <em>glabra </em>‘Crûg Coral’ (pink)</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">‘Limelight’<br />
‘Vanilla Strawberry’<br />
‘Little Lamb’, ‘Pinky Winky’, ‘Fire and Ice’, ‘Tardiva’<br /><strong>Short:</strong> ‘Bombshell’, ‘Little Lime’, ‘Bobo’</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Bloom Interest</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Late May–August</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Late May–September</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Late June–August</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Late June–July</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Late July–late October</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Features</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Flowers mature to lime green.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Cinnamon-colored bark.<br />
Excellent red fall foliage.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">May need to provide shelter from drying winter winds.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Peeling bark.<br />
Clinging vine.<br />
Slow to establish.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">New cultivars have strong stems.<br />
Upright flowers.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Flowers</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">White, ivory, pink. <br />
Fade to light green.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">White, ivory, green tints.<br />
Pink edges on double.<br />
Fade to pink, red, green.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Blue, pink, purple.<br />
Multi-colored.<br />
Fade to greens/blues.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">White, ivory.<br />
Lacecaps.<br />
Pink tones in spp. glabra</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">White, ivory, lime green, pink.<br />
Fade to green, some reds.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Height</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">3–5'</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">4–9'</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">3–6'</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">60–80'</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">2–20'</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Light</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Part sun to shade.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Part sun to shade.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Part to “nearly” full shade for best results.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Sun to part shade.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Sun to part shade.<br />
Full shade limits flowers.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Soils and Fertilization</strong> <strong>pH range 5.0–7.5</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Higher organic matter, well drained</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Well drained</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">High organic matter,<br />
Acidic soil = blue (5.5 or lower)<br />
Alkaline soil = pink (6.5 or higher)</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Easily adaptable to all conditions.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Easily adaptable to most conditions.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Moisture**</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Moisture extends flower life</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Consistent moisture, but forgiving.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Moisture demanding.<br />
Afternoon shade required. <br />
Consider irrigation.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Needs consistent moisture during early years.<br />
More forgiving as matures.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Consistent moisture, but forgiving.<br />
Low moisture causes blooms to fade.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Blooms on***</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">New wood</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Old wood</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Old wood <strong>or</strong><br />
Old and new wood</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Old wood</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">New wood</td>
</tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><strong>Pruning</strong></td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Fall/spring—Cut down to 6–8".<br />
Ensures large blooms following season.<br />
Thin spring shoots for largest blooms.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">After flowering</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Shape after flowers fade.<br />
Cut dead stems back in mid-spring.</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Only to shape</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">Prune to upright shrub for landscape.<br />
Cut low or thin for larger flowers.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p class="smtxt-paragraph">*Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by OSU Extension is implied.<br />
**All hydrangeas should be planted in well-amended, high organic matter soil with adequate drainage.<br />
***Next year’s flowers that form on old wood are generally set in August.</p>
<p class="smtxt-paragraph"><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br />
All photos are by Eric Barrett, Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mahoning County.</p>
<p class="smtxt-paragraph"><strong>References</strong><br />
Fulcher, A., J. Derr, W. Klingeman, C. Marble, J. Neal, A. Windham, and G. Weaver. 2017. Hydrangea—Hydrangea spp., Chapter 1 in Chappell, M., G.W. Knox, and G. Fernandez, (eds.), <em>IPM for Shrubs in Southeastern U.S. Nursery Production: Volume II</em>. 44p. Available online at: <a href="https://wiki.bugwood.org/IPM_Shrub_Book_II">https://wiki.bugwood.org/IPM_Shrub_Book_II</a> <br />
Dirr, Michael. 2004. <em>Hydrangeas for American Gardens</em>. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 236p.<br />
Ellsworth, D. 2015. Attracting Pollinators to the Garden. Ohio State University Extension fact sheet ENT-47. Available online at: <a href="https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-47">https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-47</a> <br />
Oregon State University. 2015. Landscape Plants: Images, Identification, and Information. Volume 2. Available online at: <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/2plants.htm">https://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/2plants.htm</a> <br />
Penn State University Extension. 2017. Hydrangea Diseases. Available online at: <a href="http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/hydrangea-diseases">http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/hydrangea-diseases</a><br />
United States Department of Agriculture. 2012. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Available online at: <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/">http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/</a> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/horticulture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Horticulture</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hydrangeas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hydrangeas</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gardening" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gardening</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/flowers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">flowers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cultivar" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cultivar</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/agriculture-and-natural-resources" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Agriculture and Natural Resources</a></div></div></div>Fri, 20 Jul 2018 14:38:10 +0000wintringham.4973 at https://ohioline.osu.eduCarpenter Beeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2074
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">HYG-2074</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-07-03T00:00:00-04:00">07/03/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Susan C. Jones, Department of Entomology; Extension Specialist, Household and Structural Pests</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Carpenter bees get their common name due to the females' habit of excavating galleries in wood to create nest sites for their young. These bees do not consume wood; they feed on pollen and nectar and are important plant pollinators.</p>
<p>Large carpenter bees belong to the genus <em>Xylocopa</em>. Two native species, <em>Xylocopa virginica</em> and <em>Xylocopa micans</em>, occur in the eastern United States. A number of native carpenter bees also occur in the western United States. This fact sheet primarily pertains to <em>X. virginica</em>, with the common name of carpenter bee.</p>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="margin:20px;width: 300px"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/HYG-2074_Fig1-Carpenter-Bees_abdomen-arrow_Page_1.jpg" style="width: 290px; height: 193px;" /></td>
</tr><tr><td>
Figure 1. Carpenter bee, <em>Xylocopa virginica</em>. An arrow points to the abdomen. (<em>Photo courtesy of D.J. Shetlar, OSU Entomology.</em>)</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h4>
<strong>Identification</strong></h4>
<p>Carpenter bees are large (~three-quarters- to 1-inch long) and robust. The upper surface of their abdomen is largely bare and appears shiny black (Figure 1). The thorax is covered with yellow, orange, or white hairs. The head is almost as wide as the thorax. The female has an entirely black head, whereas the male has yellow or white markings. Carpenter bees have a dense brush of hairs on their hind legs.</p>
<p>Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees as they are similar in size except for their head, with the bumble bee’s head being much narrower than the width of the thorax. Unlike carpenter bees, bumble bees have a very hairy abdomen with yellow markings and they also have large pollen baskets on their hind legs. Bumble bees are social insects that live in colonies with nests typically located in the ground. </p>
<h4>
<strong>Biology and Life History</strong></h4>
<p>Carpenter bees are solitary insects that do not form colonies. Each female bee has its own separate nest gallery inside the wood where its offspring develop. Numerous carpenter bees often occupy the same piece of wood, with nest galleries occurring close to each other (Figure 2), but each carpenter bee behaves independently of the other bees. </p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%;margin:10px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/HYG-2074_Fig2-nest-entrance-hole.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 166px;" /></td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Figure 2. Numerous nest galleries in wood, with arrow pointing to nest entrance hole. Galleries contain the remnants of wood pulp separating each brood cell. (<em>Photo by S.C. Jones.</em>)</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p><br />
Male and female carpenter bees emerge in the spring (April and early May) and mate. Territorial males hover nearby as mated females begin nesting activities. Because gallery construction is a time- and energy-consuming process, the female preferentially refurbishes an old nest rather than creating a new one. She may reuse an existing gallery, lengthen an existing gallery, or excavate a new gallery from an existing entrance hole. </p>
<p>In order to create an entirely new nest, the female uses her strong jaws (mandibles) to excavate a clean-cut, round nest entrance hole that is slightly less than a half-inch wide, approximately the diameter of her body. She bores into the wood perpendicular to the grain then turns at about a right angle (about 90 degrees) and excavates along the wood grain for 4 to 6 inches to create a gallery (tunnel). She excavates the gallery at the rate of about 1 inch in six days. </p>
<p>Each female bee creates a series of provisioned brood cells in a gallery. The larval provision consists of a mixture of pollen and regurgitated nectar formed into a ball. The female forms a food ball at the far end of an excavated gallery, lays an egg on top of the mass, and then walls off the brood cell with a plug of chewed wood pulp. A female often creates six to 10 partitioned brood cells in a linear row in one gallery, and she dies soon thereafter. Males likewise are short lived. Larvae feed on the pollen/nectar food mass, which is sufficient food for them to develop to the pupal stage then the adult stage. </p>
<p>The life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult) is completed in approximately seven weeks, although developmental time varies depending on temperature. All of the new adult bees typically remain in their gallery for several weeks then chew through the cell partitions and venture outside in late August to feed. They collect and store pollen in the existing galleries but also spend much of their time just huddled together inside the same gallery where they developed. These new adults require shelter during the winter and they hibernate within their old nest gallery and then emerge the following spring. There is one generation per year in the northern states, but sometimes two generations in the southern United States.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Wood Damage and Telltale Signs</strong></h4>
<p>Eastern species of carpenter bees prefer softwoods such as cedar, redwood, cypress, pine, and fir. The bees can more easily tunnel through woods that are soft and with a straight grain. Western species often nest in oak, eucalyptus, and redwood.</p>
<p>Carpenter bees avoid wood that is well painted or covered with bark, but they can nest in a wide variety of wood products, including fence posts, utility poles, firewood, arbors, and patio furniture. In buildings, carpenter bees nest in fascia boards, roof eaves and gables, porch ceilings, decks, railings, siding, shingles, shutters, and other weathered wood. </p>
<p>Carpenter bee damage to wood initially is minor, and carpenter bees seldom cause consequential structural damage. However, extensive wood damage can result over time as many generations of carpenter bees enlarge existing galleries in wood. A gallery can extend for 10 feet if used by many carpenter bees over the years. As carpenter bees construct new tunnels near old ones, their complex system of tunnels can result in extensive damage to wood. Wood replacement is necessary when the strength of structural members, posts, poles, and other wood products is reduced due to carpenter bee damage. </p>
<p>Carpenter bees also may be indirectly responsible for extensive, unsightly wood damage when woodpeckers and flickers riddle the wood with holes searching for food (immature and adult carpenter bees). These birds seem to particularly target overwintering adult bees.</p>
<p>Carpenter bee nest entrance holes used to be commonly situated in exposed sites, but those bees and their offspring were the most easily targeted by management efforts; now the carpenter bee population is dominated by those bees that hide their entrance holes. The inner surface of roof fascia boards is a common site of attack. Nail holes, exposed saw cuts, and unpainted wood are attractive sites for the bees to start their excavations. </p>
<p>To locate nest sites, one needs to look for the bees’ yellowish to brownish fecal staining/streaking and dislodged pollen beneath hidden entrance holes (Figure 3). One also may look for coarse sawdust from the bees’ borings (Figure 4). </p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/HYG-2074_Fig3-bee-staining-on-brick.jpg" style="width: 290px; height: 190px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/HYG-2074_Fig4-coarse-sawdust-from-bee-excavations.jpg" style="width: 290px; height: 194px;" /></td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Figure 3. Carpenter bee staining on brick beneath hidden nest entrance holes. (<em>Photo by S.C. Jones.</em>)</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Figure 4. Coarse sawdust from carpenter bees’ excavations. (<em>Photo courtesy of D.J. Shetlar, OSU Entomology.</em>)</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h4>
<strong>Other Nuisance Aspects</strong></h4>
<p>Carpenter bees often are noisy around structures. Male carpenter bees often cause alarm when they dive-bomb and fly erratically around humans that approach nesting sites, but in actuality, these bees are bluffing as they lack a stinger and are harmless. Only female wasps and bees have a stinger, which is a modified egg-laying device (ovipositor). Female carpenter bees are docile and are reported to sting only if handled. A female carpenter bee can sting more than once.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Integrated Pest Management</strong></h4>
<p>It is preferable to locate tunnel entrances during the daytime, but conduct any management efforts at nest sites after dark on a cool evening when carpenter bees are less active. Wear protective clothing to avoid stings.</p>
<h6>
<strong>Prevention</strong></h6>
<p>Keep all exposed wood surfaces well painted with a polyurethane or oil-based paint to deter attack by carpenter bees. Periodically inspect painted surfaces because the coatings will begin to deteriorate due to weathering, thereby exposing wood that the bees can easily attack. Wood stains will not prevent damage from carpenter bees. These bees do not damage non-wood materials including aluminum, asbestos, asphalt, and vinyl siding, and these can be used as alternatives to wood. </p>
<h6>
<strong>Mechanical Measures</strong></h6>
<p>A non-insecticidal management approach is to deny carpenter bees access to their galleries by sealing each entrance hole. Thoroughly plug the hole with plastic wood, steel wool, or copper gauze and seal it with wood putty or a wooden dowel affixed with wood glue. If possible, first fill the entire gallery system with a sealant. Carpenter bee galleries are a critical resource, since the bees spend much of their time inside a gallery and they require its protective conditions to survive the winter. Bees that are trapped inside a sealed gallery typically will not chew out due to behavioral constraints. This barrier approach has promise for reducing future carpenter bee infestations in an area.</p>
<p>The female often can be swatted and killed, or she can be captured and crushed or otherwise destroyed near her nest site. Larvae and pupae can be killed by inserting a sturdy wire into the entrance hole and probing into the gallery as deeply as possible.</p>
<h6>
<strong>Insecticides</strong></h6>
<p>A number of pyrethroid insecticides (cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, etc.) are labeled for use against carpenter bees. Treatment of nest galleries with a dust formulation provides long-lasting activity (residual) and typically is the most effective approach. Precisely inject the dust directly into each nest entrance hole and as deeply into the tunnel as possible. It also should be applied to the surface of adjacent wood. Wait for a few days before plugging any treated entrance holes so that the adult bees have enough time to distribute the dust within the galleries and to accumulate a lethal insecticide dose. </p>
<p>For use as a short-term preventive, an appropriately labeled insecticide can be applied to the surface of wood, preferably in early spring before female carpenter bees begin excavating nests. The insecticide kills the bees that contact the treated wood. Microencapsulated formulations often are used. Note that this type of preventive approach has limitations because of the difficulty in applying a chemical to all exposed wood on the house where bees can nest. Furthermore, the insecticides usually degrade in a matter of weeks or months so repeated applications are needed to maintain a lethal insecticide dose. </p>
<p>Insecticides that act as stomach poisons, such as borates, typically are ineffective against carpenter bees, which do not ingest the wood that they excavate.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bees</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/stinging-insects" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">stinging insects</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/wood-damage" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">wood damage</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/carpenter-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">carpenter bees</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 05 Jul 2017 18:58:10 +0000cochran.442830 at https://ohioline.osu.eduPollinator Quick Guide: What You Can Do to Help Native Beeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-80
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-80</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-02-13T00:00:00-05:00">02/13/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h4>
<strong>Threats to Native Bees</strong></h4>
<p>Ohio is home to approximately 500 native bee species. These diverse bees play important roles as pollinators of agricultural crops and native plants. Mason bees, mining bees, leaf cutting bees and sweat bees are just a few of the most common types of bees seen in gardens and landscapes.</p>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 250px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-A-queen-bee-on-viburnum-DRE.png" style="width: 240px; height: 162px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Queen bumble bee on a viburnum shrub. </td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Bees are facing many threats, such as lack of forage (flowers for food), pests, pathogens, pesticides, invasive plants, climate change and lack of suitable nesting sites.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Native Bee Biology</strong></h4>
<p>Bees are considered the most important pollinators because they are uniquely adapted to gather and transport pollen. Bees rely on flowers for food to feed their young, so they actively seek out and visit flowers. Bees’ fuzzy bodies and branched hairs help female bees collect pollen into special structures, such as pollen baskets on the hind legs or long hairs on the thorax or abdomen. </p>
<p>Bees also forage for food close to their nesting sites, a practice called central place foraging. Bees visit one or only a few flowering species during each foraging trip, even when other flowers are available. This behavior, called flower fidelity or flower constancy, makes bees especially reliable couriers to move pollen to receptive flowers of the same species. </p>
<p>Native bees can be divided into three groups: social bees (bumble bees), solitary ground-nesting bees (such as mining bees) and solitary cavity-nesting bees (including mason bees and leaf cutting bees). Honey bees are social bees, but they are native to Europe and Asia, not North America.</p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-bumble-bee-on-bee-balm-DRE.JPG" style="width: 194px; height: 129px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-most-native-bees-nest-in-the-ground-DRE.png" style="width: 194px; height: 129px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-leafcutting-bee-on-false-sunflower-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 129px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Social bumble bee on bee balm. </td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Ground-nesting bee kicked sand out of her tunnel.</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Leaf cutting bee.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><h4>
<strong>Gardening for Native Bees</strong></h4>
<p>Gardeners can play an important role in bee conservation by providing plants and nesting sites, and by adapting gardening practices to protect bees and other pollinators.</p>
<h6>
<em>Plant Tips</em></h6>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 210px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-mining-bee-on-shrub-dogwood-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 151px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
A mining bee on shrub dogwood. </td>
</tr></tbody></table><ul><li>
Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants can provide food and nesting habitat for native bees. Select an assortment of plants that bloom from early spring through fall.</li>
<li>
An abundance of different flower shapes, sizes and colors will appeal to a variety of bees. </li>
<li>
Grouping plants together in sunny locations helps bees find and feed on desirable flowers while expending less energy in the search for plants.</li>
<li>
Weeds—including clover, dandelion and goldenrod—provide critical food resources for bees. Consider tolerating these weeds when appropriate.</li>
<li>
By observing flowers in private and public gardens and taking note of flower visitors, gardeners can learn which plants are most attractive to bees.</li>
<li>
If space allows, consider planting a small meadow or prairie patch full of native wildflowers to provide food from spring through fall. </li>
</ul><h6>
<em>Habitat Tips</em></h6>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 210px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-80-evidence-of-leafcutting-bee-on-epimedium-DRE.png" style="width: 200px; height: 148px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Evidence that a leaf cutting bee collected leaf discs. </td>
</tr></tbody></table><ul><li>
Brush piles, stacked firewood, fallen logs and bare soil all provide critical nesting habitat for bees. Purchased or constructed “bee hotels” can also be used, but they must be regularly cleaned and rotated out of use to prevent disease buildup. </li>
<li>
Provide a water source, such as a shallow dish or a birdbath filled with stones or sticks, to allow visitors to land without drowning. </li>
<li>
In gardens and conservation areas, avoid the use of pesticides on plants visited by bees. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest pressure.</li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Key Plants for Native Bees</strong></h4>
<div>
Trees: maple, crabapple, linden, redbud, willow</div>
<div>
Shrubs: diervilla, pussy willow, raspberry, sumac, viburnum</div>
<div>
Perennials: aster, bee balm, goldenrod, hyssop, milkweed</div>
<div>
Annuals: cosmos, pot marigold, salvia, sunflower, zinnia</div>
<div>
Herbs: borage, catmint, lavender, oregano, thyme</div>
<div>
</div>
<h4>
<strong>Resources to Learn More</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
The Ohio State University Bee Lab: <a href="http://beelab.osu.edu">beelab.osu.edu</a></li>
<li>
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: <a href="http://xerces.org">xerces.org</a></li>
</ul><p><em>All photos by Denise Ellsworth.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/native-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native bees</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-plants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native plants</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:33:17 +0000cochran.442791 at https://ohioline.osu.eduPollinator Quick Guide: What You Can Do to Help Bumble Beeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-81
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-81</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-02-13T00:00:00-05:00">02/13/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h4>
<strong>Threats to Bumble Bees</strong></h4>
<p>Fuzzy, furry bumble bees—sometimes called the teddy bears of the bee world—are frequently seen in Ohio gardens. Although about a dozen species are considered native to the state, the common eastern bumble bee (<em>Bombus impatiens</em>) is the most common garden visitor. Several formerly common bumble bee species are in serious decline and are rarely seen.</p>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 200px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-2107034-bumble-bee.jpg" style="width: 190px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:70%"><td>
</td>
<td class="rtecenter">
Bumble bee foraging on composite flower.<em> (Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.org.)</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Bumble bees are important pollinators of crops, such as blueberries and raspberries, and many native plants. They face many of the same threats facing other pollinators, including lack of forage (flowers for food), pests, pathogens, pesticides, invasive plants, climate change and lack of suitable nesting sites. Bumble bees are specifically impacted by several introduced diseases that infect only bumble bees. Because of these threats, some native bumble bee species that used to be common, such as the rusty-patched bumble bee, are now facing extinction. In 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the rusty-patched bumble bee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Bumble Bee Biology</strong></h4>
<p>Bumble bees are social bees that live together in a colony. Each colony is active for only one year, with new colonies started by a queen in early spring. In March or April, the queen must find a suitable home for her colony, commonly in an abandoned rodent burrow or sometimes directly on the ground, depending on the species. She lays eggs and feeds the developing larvae pollen and nectar that she gathers from very early spring flowers. The larvae pupate in the nest, then emerge as adult workers. These workers, all females, are much smaller than the queen. They take over the work of tending and guarding the nest, and bringing pollen and nectar back to the colony. The queen continues to lay batches of eggs throughout the summer, rarely leaving the nest. </p>
<p>Toward the end of summer, the queen lays special unfertilized eggs that will become male drones, and other eggs that will be reared as new queens. The new queens and drones leave the colony to mate. Newly mated queens feed on flowers to pack their bodies full of fat to survive the winter. Each queen will spend the winter burrowed several inches below ground, emerging in spring to start a new colony. All the members of the old colony die with the winter’s cold, including the old queen, old workers and old drones.</p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-bb-nest-MaLisa-Spring.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-BB-on-blue-vervain-DRE.JPG" style="width: 153px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-bumble-bee-on-peony-with-pollen-on-body-DRE.JPG" style="width: 206px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:70%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Commercial bumble bee nest with workers and capped brood. <em>(Photo by MaLisa Spring.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Bumble bees foraging on blue vervain.</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Queen bumble bee foraging for nectar on tree peony. </td>
</tr></tbody></table><h4>
<br /><strong>Gardening for Bumble Bees </strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Gardeners can play an important role in bumble bee conservation by providing plants and nesting sites, and by adapting gardening practices to protect bumble bees and other pollinators.</li>
<li>
Add plants with bumble bees in mind. Early spring and late summer are especially critical times for bumble bees. Maple, cherry and willow trees provide spring food, while asters and golden rods are just a few of the late-season flowers that help fatten the new queens for winter.</li>
<li>
Bumble bees will forage on many different flowers, and they can fly farther than most other bees to find suitable food sources. Grouping plants together in the garden will help bumble bees find their food.</li>
<li>
If space allows, consider planting a small meadow or prairie patch full of native wildflowers to provide food from spring through fall.</li>
<li>
Bumble bees will often nest in abandoned mammal nests or cavities in rock walls, or at the base of ornamental grass clumps. Observe queens in spring to note possible nesting areas, and avoid disturbing those sites.</li>
<li>
In gardens and conservation areas, avoid the use of pesticides on plants visited by bees. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest pressure.</li>
</ul><table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-BB-on-gray-coneflower-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 140px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-5424132-thistle.jpg" style="width: 128px; height: 140px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-81-bumble-bee-on-lavender-DRE.JPG" style="width: 210px; height: 140px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:70%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Grey-headed coneflower</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Purple coneflower (<em>Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.com.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Lavender</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h4>
<strong>Key Plants for Bumble Bees</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Trees: maple, crabapple, linden, redbud, willow</li>
<li>
Shrubs: diervilla, pussy willow, raspberry, rose, viburnum</li>
<li>
Perennials: aster, bee balm, hyssop, milkweed, penstemon</li>
<li>
Annuals: cosmos, morning glory, phacelia, sunflower, zinnia</li>
<li>
Herbs: borage, catmint, lavender, oregano, rosemary</li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Resources to Learn More</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Bumble Bee Watch (photo-based citizen science): <a href="http://bumblebeewatch.org">bumblebeewatch.org</a></li>
<li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
The Ohio State University Bee Lab: <a href="http://beelab.osu.edu">beelab.osu.edu</a></li>
<li>
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: <a href="http://xerces.org">xerces.org</a></li>
</ul></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bumble-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bumble bees</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-plants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native plants</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:32:59 +0000cochran.442794 at https://ohioline.osu.eduPollinator Quick Guide: What You Can Do to Help Pollinatorshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-78
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-78</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-02-13T00:00:00-05:00">02/13/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Important pollinators, such as honey bees, bumble bees and monarch butterflies, have gained attention in recent years due to concerns about declining populations. This Quick Guide describes steps gardeners and others can take to help protect pollinators.</p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-on-purple-coneflower-DRE.JPG" style="width: 189px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-hummingbird-moth-visiting-bee-balm-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-on-butterfly-weed-DRE.JPG" style="width: 168px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:90%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Honey bee on purple coneflower.</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Hummingbird moth on monarda.</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Honey bee on butterfly weed.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Key animal pollinators in Ohio include honey bees, native bees, flies, butterflies, moths and other insects, as well as hummingbirds. Pollinators are vital to the production of many food crops and provide a service essential to the survival of many native plants. Bees are considered the most important pollinators because they are uniquely adapted to gather and transport pollen. Ohio is home to about 500 species of bees.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Threats to Pollinators</strong></h4>
<p>Pollinators are facing many threats, such as lack of flowers for food (forage) and suitable nesting and overwintering sites. Other threats include viral and fungal pathogens, pesticides, invasive plants, pests such as the varroa mite (specific to honey bees), and climate change. </p>
<h4>
<strong>Gardening for Pollinators </strong></h4>
<p>Gardeners can play an important role in pollinator conservation by providing plants and nesting sites for pollinators and by adapting gardening practices to protect pollinators.</p>
<h6>
<em>Plant Tips</em></h6>
<ul><li>
Grow more flowers, particularly those that are preferred by pollinators. Some hybrids and modern cultivars are not visited by pollinators or don’t provide enough or the right kind of pollen and nectar. Observe plants and include more pollinator favorites, including Ohio native plants.</li>
</ul><table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 330px"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
</td>
<td class="rteright" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-Mixing-flower-colors-shapes-and-sizes-invites-many-pollinators-DRE.JPG" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
</td>
<td class="rteright" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Native mountain mint (center) is a favorite nectar source of many pollinators.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><ul><li>
Select flowers with a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to attract many different pollinators.</li>
<li>
Group plants together in clumps to help pollinators find their food.</li>
<li>
To provide a consistent source of nectar and pollen for an assortment of pollinator species, select a sequence of plants that bloom from early spring through fall. </li>
<li>
Pollinators and the plants they visit usually thrive in full sun. Shade gardeners can plant redbud, spicebush, hosta or jewelweed to attract pollinators.</li>
<li>
Many plants frequently considered weeds provide important food for pollinators, including dandelions, milkweed, goldenrod and clover. Consider tolerating these weeds.</li>
</ul><h6>
<em>Habitat Tips</em></h6>
<ul><li>
Brush piles, dead standing trees, bare soil and clumping grasses all provide important nesting and overwintering habitat for bees and butterflies.</li>
<li>
Provide a water source, such as a shallow dish or a birdbath filled with stones or sticks, to allow visitors to land without drowning. </li>
<li>
In gardens and conservation areas, avoid the use of pesticides on plants visited by pollinators, including flowering plants and caterpillar host plants. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest pressure.</li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Key Plants for Pollinators</strong></h4>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-Aster-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-bee-visiting-bergamot-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-Mountainmint-DRE.jpg" style="width: 177px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Fall-blooming aster</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Wild bergamot</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Mountain mint</td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>
Trees: maple, crabapple, linden, serviceberry, willow</li>
<li>
Shrubs: hydrangea, ninebark, pussy willow, sumac, viburnum</li>
<li>
Perennials: aster, bee balm, hyssop, milkweed, purple coneflower</li>
<li>
Annuals: cosmos, lantana, marigold, sunflower, zinnia</li>
<li>
Herbs: basil, borage, catmint, lavender, oregano</li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Resources to Learn More</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
The Ohio State University Bee Lab: <a href="http://beelab.osu.edu">beelab.osu.edu</a></li>
<li>
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: <a href="http://xerces.org">xerces.org</a></li>
</ul><p><em>All photos by Denise Ellsworth.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/monarch-butterflies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">monarch butterflies</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native bees</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bumble-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bumble bees</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-plants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native plants</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:16:49 +0000cochran.442793 at https://ohioline.osu.eduPollinator Quick Guide: What You Can Do to Help Honey Beeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-79
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-79</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-02-13T00:00:00-05:00">02/13/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h4>
<strong>Threats to Honey Bees</strong></h4>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 200px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-Karina-Weatherby.JPG" style="width: 190px; height: 130px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td>
</td>
<td class="rtecenter">
Honey bee dusted with pollen.<em> Photo by Karina Weatherby.</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Honey bees are key pollinators of many valuable Ohio crops, such as pumpkins, cucumbers, apples, raspberries and blueberries. Because they live together in hives, honey bees can be loaded onto trucks and transported from farm field to farm field to provide pollination services. Honey bees play an essential role in modern farming systems in the United States.</p>
<p>Honey bees are not native to North America. European settlers introduced them to the East Coast in 1610. For centuries after, feral honey bees were able to survive and thrive in tree cavities and in human-made structures, such as wall voids in houses and barns. The arrival of varroa mites in the 1980s has wiped out nearly all feral colonies and has had a large impact on managed colonies. Today, honey bees primarily survive in managed hives with the careful attention and tending of beekeepers. In addition to varroa mites, honey bees are threatened by a lack of forage (flowers for food), pathogens, pesticides and other pests, such as small hive beetles.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Honey Bee Biology</strong></h4>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-beekeepers-tending-hives.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-adult-honey-bees-with-capped-brood-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-hives.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Beekeepers tending hives. </td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Adult bees feeding bee larvae.</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
An apiary, also called a "bee yard."</td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Honey bees are social bees that live together in a colony made up of one queen, thousands of female worker bees and male drones. As many as 50,000 to 90,000 bees can live together in one colony at the height of the season.</p>
<p>The queen’s role in the honey bee colony is to lay eggs, as many as 2,000 eggs per day. The drones’ role is to mate with new virgin queens. Workers forage for food and carry out all other tasks in the hive, including building the comb, cleaning the hive, converting nectar to honey, feeding immature bees, caring for the queen, and guarding the hive. </p>
<p>Like all bees, honey bees are vegetarians that survive on a diet of pollen and nectar. A special modification of the hind legs, called a corbicula, allows female worker bees to gather pollen and transport it back to the hive. To gather nectar, honey bees have a long tongue and a special honey stomach. As they travel from flower to flower, gathering food, honey bees inadvertently transfer pollen from flower to flower, allowing plants to make seeds and fruit. </p>
<h4>
<strong>Gardening for Honey Bees </strong></h4>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 200px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-Local-honey-Karina-Weatherby.JPG" style="width: 190px; height: 127px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:80%"><td>
</td>
<td class="rtecenter">
Local honey supports local beekeepers.<em> Photo by Karina Weatherby.</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Gardeners can play an important role in honey bee conservation by providing forage plants and by adapting gardening practices to protect honey bees and other pollinators.</p>
<ul><li>
Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants can provide food for honey bees. Select an assortment of plants that bloom from early spring through fall.</li>
<li>
Grouping plants together in sunny locations helps bees find and feed on desirable flowers while expending less energy in the search for plants.</li>
<li>
By observing flowers in private and public gardens and taking note of flower visitors, gardeners can learn which plants are most attractive to honey bees.</li>
<li>
Weeds—including clover, dandelion and goldenrod—provide critical food resources for bees. Consider tolerating these weeds when appropriate.</li>
<li>
Provide a water source, such as a shallow dish or a birdbath filled with stones or sticks, to allow visitors to land without drowning. </li>
<li>
If space allows, consider planting a small meadow or prairie patch full of native wildflowers to provide food from spring through fall. </li>
<li>
In gardens and conservation areas, avoid the use of pesticides on plants visited by bees. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest pressure.</li>
<li>
Support local beekeepers by purchasing local honey, beeswax candles and other hive products.</li>
<li>
Learn more about bees and beekeeping by supporting local bee clubs and organizations.</li>
</ul><table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr style="font-size:80%"><td colspan="3" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
Sunflower, borage and butterfly weed: a few honey bee favorites in summer. </td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-sunflower-with-honey-bee-DRE.JPG" style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-on-borage.JPG" style="width: 179px; height: 133px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-79-honey-bee-on-butterfly-weed-DRE.JPG" style="width: 168px; height: 133px;" /></td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><h4>
<strong>Key Plants for Honey Bees</strong></h4>
<div>
Trees: black locust, crabapple, linden, maple, tulip tree</div>
<div>
Shrubs: diervilla, holly, raspberry, sumac, viburnum</div>
<div>
Perennials: aster, bee balm, hyssop, milkweed, mountain mint</div>
<div>
Annuals: cosmos, phacelia, pot marigold, sunflower, zinnia</div>
<div>
Herbs: borage, catmint, lavender, oregano, thyme</div>
<div>
Other honey bee favorites: buckwheat, goldenrod, mustard, sweet clover, white clover</div>
<div>
</div>
<h4>
<strong style="font-family: proximanova, Arial, sans-serif;">Resources to Learn More</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Bee Health: <a href="http://articles.extension.org/bee_health">articles.extension.org/bee_health</a></li>
<li>
Bee Informed Partnership: <a href="http://beeinformed.org">beeinformed.org</a></li>
<li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
The Ohio State University Bee Lab: <a href="http://beelab.osu.edu">beelab.osu.edu</a></li>
</ul><p style="font-size:70%"><em>Unless otherwise noted, photos are provided by Denise Ellsworth.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/honey-bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">honey bees</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-plants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native plants</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:12:24 +0000cochran.442792 at https://ohioline.osu.eduPollinator Quick Guide: What You Can Do to Help Monarchshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-82
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-82</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-02-13T00:00:00-05:00">02/13/2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The monarch butterfly (<em>Danaus plexippus</em>) is one of the most easily recognizable native butterflies in the United States. While the orange and black garden visitor used to be a common sight across Ohio from summer through early fall, visits are increasingly uncommon. Experts estimate that monarch populations have declined 90 percent in the last 20 years. This Quick Guide describes steps gardeners and others can take to help this struggling species.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Monarch Biology</strong></h4>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 160px"><tbody><tr><td>
</td>
<td>
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-5443507-adult-and-larva.jpg" style="width: 146px; height: 110px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:70%"><td>
</td>
<td class="rtecenter">
Monarch adult butterfly and caterpillar on milkweed. (<em>Photo by Rob Routledge, Sault College.</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>The monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s most amazing feats. Millions of adult butterflies, each less than the weight of a postage stamp, make a 3,000-mile journey southward from their summering regions in the eastern United States to wintering habitat in Mexico. The overwintering adults return to the southern United States in March to mate and lay eggs for the first generation of adult butterflies. First-generation adults continue to feed and mate as they journey northward. Second- and third-generation adults mate and feed through summer, laying eggs for the fourth generation of migrating adults. </p>
<p>Like all butterflies and moths, monarchs undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing from an egg to a larva (caterpillar), a pupa (chrysalis) and an adult (butterfly) stage. While the adults can feed on the nectar of many summer- and fall-blooming plants, larvae can develop only on milkweed plants in the genus <em>Asclepias</em>. </p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="4" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: font-size:70%; middle;">
<strong>Monarch Metamorphosis</strong></td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 356px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-1635181-egg.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 99px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 320px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-2158070-caterpillar.jpg" style="width: 55px; height: 99px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 328px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-1523087-chrysalis.jpg" style="width: 146px; height: 99px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 346px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-1115086-adult-monarch.jpg" style="width: 149px; height: 99px;" /></td>
</tr><tr style="font-size:70%"><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 356px;">
1: Egg (<em>Photo by J.A. Davidson, University of Maryland.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 320px;">
2: Caterpillar (<em>Photo by David Cappaert.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 328px;">
3: Chrysalis (<em>Photo by Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 346px;">
4: Adult butterfly <em>(Photo by Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service.)</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><div style="page-break-after: always;">
<span style="display: none;"> </span></div>
<h4>
<strong>Threats to Monarchs</strong></h4>
<table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 150px"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 0.666748px;">
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-4911056-clustered-to-overwinter.jpg" style="width: 133px; height: 200px;" /></td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 0.666748px;">
</td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; font-size:70%">
Monarch adults clustering on tree. (<em>Photo by Harry O. Yates, USDA Forest Service.)</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Monarchs face a number of serious threats to their survival.</p>
<ul><li>
Overwintering habitat in Mexico has declined from about 27.5 acres in 2004 to a record low of 2.5 acres in 2014.</li>
<li>
Erratic weather events can kill overwintering or migrating butterflies. </li>
<li>
The loss of native milkweed stands associated with habitat destruction and increased agricultural herbicide use means less food for larval (caterpillar) monarchs.</li>
<li>
Loss of late-summer nectar sources means less food to fuel the adults, including fourth-generation adults on their migration journey.</li>
<li>
Insecticide use on host or nectar plants can harm or kill monarch caterpillars or adults.</li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Ohio Native Milkweeds and Host Plants for Monarchs</strong></h4>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 593px;">
<div>
Butterfly-weed, <em>Asclepias tuberosa </em></div>
<div>
Clasping-leaved Milkweed, <em>Asclepias amplexicaulis</em></div>
<div>
Common Milkweed, <em>Asclepias syriaca</em></div>
<div>
Green Milkweed, <em>Asclepias hirtella</em></div>
<div>
Green-flowered Milkweed, <em>Asclepias viridiflora</em></div>
<div>
Poke Milkweed, <em>Asclepias exaltata</em></div>
</td>
<td style="width: 568px;">
<div>
Purple Milkweed, <em>Asclepias purpurascens </em></div>
<div>
Spider Milkweed, <em>Asclepias viridis</em></div>
<div>
Sullivant’s Milkweed, <em>Asclepias sullivantii</em></div>
<div>
Swamp Milkweed, <em>Asclepias incarnata </em></div>
<div>
White Milkweed, <em>Asclepias variegata </em></div>
<div>
Whorled Milkweed,<em> Asclepias verticillata</em></div>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><h4>
<strong>Nectar Sources</strong></h4>
<p>Adult monarchs depend on rich sources of nectar to fuel their summer activity and eventual migration. Many native wildflowers provide copious nectar to adult monarchs and many other pollinators. Aster, goldenrod, ironweed, liatris, Joe-pye weed, mountain mint and purple coneflower are just a few of the many garden-worthy and nectar-rich native plants that bloom in midsummer into fall. </p>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="no-border" style="width: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 458px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-5269032-on-liatris.jpg" style="height: 175px; width: 221px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 453px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT-82-1226312-monarch-on-aster.jpg" style="width: 117px; height: 175px;" /></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 445px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENt-82-5542567-on-goldenrod.jpg" style="width: 234px; height: 175px;" /></td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; font-size: 70%; width: 458px;">
Liatris <em style="font-size: 11.2px;">(Photo by Beverly Turner, Jackson, Minnesota.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; font-size: 70%; width: 453px;">
Aster <em style="font-size: 11.2px;">(Photo by Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service.)</em></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; font-size: 70%; width: 445px;">
Goldenrod <em style="font-size: 11.2px;">(Photo by Richard Gardner, UMES.)</em></td>
</tr></tbody></table><br /><h4>
<strong>Gardening for Monarchs</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Milkweed and other native nectar sources thrive in full sun. Group plants together in clumps to attract butterflies.</li>
<li>
Select a sequence of plants that bloom from midsummer to fall to provide ample nectar for breeding and migrating adult monarchs.</li>
<li>
Avoid planting tropical (annual) milkweed species, which can harbor pests and may delay migration.</li>
<li>
In gardens and conservation areas, avoid the use of pesticides on milkweed and nectar plants. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest pressure.</li>
<li>
Communicate with managers of roadsides and rights-of-way about the need for more milkweed and nectar plants. Avoid summer mowing of milkweed stands to protect developing butterflies. </li>
</ul><h4>
<strong>Resources to Learn More</strong></h4>
<ul><li>
Monarch Butterfly Journey North (citizen science): <a href="http://journeynorth.org/monarch">journeynorth.org/monarch</a></li>
<li>
Monarch Joint Venture: <a href="http://monarchjointventure.org">monarchjointventure.org</a></li>
<li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: <a href="http://xerces.org">xerces.org</a></li>
</ul><p><em>Photos from Bugwood.org.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/monarch-butterflies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">monarch butterflies</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/native-plants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">native plants</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Tue, 07 Feb 2017 20:09:37 +0000cochran.442790 at https://ohioline.osu.eduOhio Trees for Beeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-71
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-71</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-extension-area field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Agriculture and Natural Resources</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2015-10-26T00:00:00-04:00">10/26/2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Many people are concerned about the health and survival of bees, including honey bees, native bumble bees and the hundreds of lesser-known native and wild bees that call Ohio home. Bees are threatened by an assortment of factors such as pests, pathogens, pesticides, climate change and a lack of nesting habitat and forage plants.</p>
<p>Bees and flowering plants have a critical relationship. Flowering plants provide nectar and pollen for a bee’s diet. Pollen is an essential source of protein for developing bee larvae, and nectar provides a carbohydrate source. Honey bees convert nectar into honey by adding an enzyme which breaks down the complex sugars into simple sugars. Bees, in turn, transport pollen from flower to flower as they forage, allowing for plant fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit.</p>
<p>While trees provide many well-known ecological benefits, the importance of trees as a source of food for bees is sometimes overlooked. Ohio trees can provide food for bees from early spring through late summer, with most tree species in Ohio blooming in spring and early summer. This fact sheet describes some of the Ohio trees that provide food for bees. Trees included in this list have been described as important by multiple researchers and bee experts.</p>
<p>Other trees not listed here can also provide food for bees. For example, Ohio horticultural experts have noted significant bee foraging activity on trees such as Carolina silverbell <span>(<em>Halesia carolina</em>)</span>, seven-son flower <span>(<em>Heptacodium miconioides</em>)</span>, goldenrain tree <span>(<em>Koelreuteria paniculata</em>)</span> and Japanese pagoda tree <span>(<em>Styphnolobium japonicum</em>)</span> in landscape settings.</p>
<p>Consider selecting from this list of trees when choosing species to plant in urban, landscape and rural settings.</p>
<p style="page-break-before: always"> </p>
<table id="table-1" style="width: 100%"><colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
</td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<strong><em>Latin Name</em><br />
Common Name</strong></td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
<strong>Pollen/<br />
Nectar</strong></td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
<strong>Native (Na) and/or Intro-duced</strong></td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
<strong>Season of Bloom</strong></td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
<strong>About This Tree</strong></td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
1</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_acer_rubrum.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Acer</span></em> spp.<br />
Maple, Boxelder</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
ESP,<br />
SP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Silver and red maples provide important early season sources of nectar and pollen for overwintering bees, particularly during warm springs when bees are flying.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
2</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_aesculus_flower.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Aesculus </span></em>spp.<br />
Buckeye, Horsechestnut</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Also visited by hummingbirds.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
3</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_alnus_serrulata_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 93px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Alnus </span></em>spp.<br />
Alder</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
ESP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Wind-pollinated but visited by bees for pollen in early spring if weather is favorable.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
4</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_amelanchier_4.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Amelanchier</span></em> spp.<br />
Serviceberry</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
ESP,<br />
SP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Several species native to North America.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
5</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_catalpa_close.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Catalpa</span></em> spp.<br />
Catalpa</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
SP,<br />
ESU</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Visited by bees during the day and by moths at night. Extrafloral nectaries on leaves.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>6</span></td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_celtis_occidentalis_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 116px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Celtis occidentalis</span></em><br />
Common Hackberry</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Flowers in spring while leaves are emerging.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
7</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_cercis_2.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 206px;">
<em><span>Cercis canadensis</span></em><br />
Red Bud</td>
<td style="width: 110px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 155px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 142px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 692px;">
Attractive to an assortment of bees.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p style="page-break-before: always"> </p>
<table id="table-2" style="width: 100%"><colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
8</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_cladrastis_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 78px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Cladrastis lutea</span></em><br />
Yellow Wood</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
N</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
ESU</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Attractive nectar source but inconsistent bloom from year to year.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>9</span></td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_cornus_mas_flower.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Cornus mas</span></em><br />
Corneliancherry dogwood</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
I</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
ESP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
An introduced ornamental tree with early-season flowers.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>10</span></td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_corylus_americana_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 64px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Corylus americana</span></em><br />
Hazelnut</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
ESP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Wind-pollinated but visited by bees for pollen.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
11</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_crataegus_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 76px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Crataegus</span></em> spp.<br />
Hawthorn</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Many species, with wide appeal to bees.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>12</span></td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_diospyros_virginiana_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 71px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Diospyros virginiana</span></em><br />
Persimmon</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
N</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
SU</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Nectar flow may be brief.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
13</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_fraxinus_americana_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 87px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Fraxinus </span></em>spp.<br />
Ash</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Wind-pollinated but visited by bees for pollen.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>14</span></td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_gleditsia_triacanthos_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 127px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Gleditsia triacanthos</span></em><br />
Honey Locust</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Brief nectar flow.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
15</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_liriodendron.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Lirodendron tulipifera</span></em><br />
Tulip Poplar</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Rich nectar source.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
16</td>
<td style="width: 121px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_magnolia_soulang.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 214px;">
<em><span>Magnolia</span></em> spp.<br />
Magnolia</td>
<td style="width: 112px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 158px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 139px;">
ESP,<br />
SP</td>
<td style="width: 716px;">
Many ornamental selections offer a minor pollen source in spring.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p style="page-break-before: always"> </p>
<table id="table-1" style="width: 100%"><colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
17</td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_malus.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Malus</span></em> spp.<br />
Apple, crab apple</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Important spring nectar and pollen source.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>18</span></td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_nyssa_sylvatica_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 78px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Nyssa sylvatica</span></em><br />
Black gum</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
N</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Dioecious (separate male and female plants), good nectar source.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>19</span></td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_oxydendrum_arboreum_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 85px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Oxydendrum arboreum</span></em><br />
Sourwood</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
N</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
SU</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Best grown in moist acidic soils. Not tolerant of urban conditions.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>20</span></td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_prunus_ornam.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em>Prunus </em>spp. (cultivated)<br />
Cherry, Plum, Peach, Apricot, cultivated</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
I</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
ESP,<br />
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Important spring nectar and pollen source.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
21</td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_prunus_serotina_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 172px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em>Prunus </em>spp. (native)<br />
Wild Cherry (<em>P. serotina</em>) and others</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
ESP,<br />
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Many native Prunus species are important, such as <em>P. virginiana, P. pensylvanica </em>and <em>P. americana</em>.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>22</span></td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_ptelea_bugwood_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 121px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Ptelea trifoliata</span></em><br />
Hop tree</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
N</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
ESU</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Visited by many bees for nectar.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>23</span></td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_pyrus.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Pyrus communis</span></em><br />
Pear</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
I</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Abundant pollen producer.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
24</td>
<td style="width: 126px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_quercus_rubra_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 86px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 211px;">
<em><span>Quercus</span></em> spp.<br />
Oak</td>
<td style="width: 115px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 168px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 135px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 719px;">
Wind-pollinated but also visited by bees for pollen.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p style="page-break-before: always"> </p>
<table id="table-2" style="width: 100%"><colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /><col /></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
25</td>
<td style="width: 123px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_robinia_pseudoacacia_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 144px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 210px;">
<em>Robinia pseudoacacia</em><br />
Black Locust</td>
<td style="width: 109px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 169px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 132px;">
ESU</td>
<td style="width: 720px;">
Rich nectar source but variable from year to year.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
26</td>
<td style="width: 123px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_Salix.png" style="width: 125px; height: 84px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 210px;">
<em><span>Salix</span></em> spp.<br />
Willow</td>
<td style="width: 109px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 169px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 132px;">
ESP</td>
<td style="width: 720px;">
Important early-season source of nectar and pollen, including <em><span>Salix discolor</span></em> (pussy willow) and <em><span>Salix nigra</span></em> (black willow).</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>27</span></td>
<td style="width: 123px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_sassafras_albidum_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 77px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 210px;">
<em><span>Sassafras albidum</span></em><br />
Sassafras</td>
<td style="width: 109px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 169px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 132px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 720px;">
Dioecious (separate male and female plants).</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
28</td>
<td style="width: 123px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_tilia_flower.JPG" style="width: 125px; height: 83px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 210px;">
<em><span>Tilia </span></em>spp.<br />
Basswood, Linden</td>
<td style="width: 109px;">
PN</td>
<td style="width: 169px;">
Na,I</td>
<td style="width: 132px;">
SU</td>
<td style="width: 720px;">
Rich nectar source.</td>
</tr><tr><td style="width: 22px;">
<span>29</span></td>
<td style="width: 123px;">
<img alt="" src="https://ohioline.osu.edu/sites/ohioline/files/imce/Entomology/ENT_71_ulmus_americana_2.jpg" style="width: 125px; height: 76px;" /></td>
<td style="width: 210px;">
<em><span>Ulmus americana</span></em><br />
Elm</td>
<td style="width: 109px;">
P</td>
<td style="width: 169px;">
Na</td>
<td style="width: 132px;">
SP</td>
<td style="width: 720px;">
Wind-pollinated but visited by bees for pollen.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p style="font-size:70%">When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”<br /><strong><span>ESP</span></strong>: Early Spring <strong>SP</strong>: Spring <strong>ESU</strong>: Early Summer <strong>SU</strong>: Summer<br /><strong>Photo credits</strong>: <em>Denise Ellsworth: </em>1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 23, 26, 28; <em>David Stephens: </em>3; <em>Robert Vidéki: </em>6, 14, 25; <em>T. Davis Sydnor, </em>8, 11, 12, 13; <em>Vern Wilkins: </em>10, 21; <em>Charles T. Bryson: </em>18; <em>Wendy VanDyk Evans: </em>19; <em>Richard Carter, </em>22; <em>Paul Wray, </em>24, 29; <em>R. Scott Cameron: </em>27</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/horticulture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Horticulture</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bees</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/trees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">trees</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Mon, 26 Oct 2015 14:35:21 +0000wintringham.4486 at https://ohioline.osu.eduAttracting Pollinators to the Gardenhttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-47
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">ENT-47</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2015-02-25T00:00:00-05:00">02/25/2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Denise Ellsworth, Department of Entomology</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Gardeners are increasingly concerned about the status of pollinators in Ohio. Important pollinators such as honey bees, bumble bees and monarch butterflies have gained attention in recent years due to concerns about declining populations. Pollinators are vital to the production of many food crops and provide a service essential to the survival of many native plants. Fortunately, gardeners can take steps to support these and other pollinators through plant selection and simple gardening practices. This fact sheet describes the importance of pollinators, their role in the ecosystem, and actions gardeners can take to help pollinator populations in their yards and gardens.</p>
<h3>
<b>What Is Pollination?</b></h3>
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Bumble bee visits aster flower for pollen and nectar.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Pollination is the movement of pollen from the male part (anther) of one flower to the female part (pistil) of another flower. Without pollination, most plants can't make seeds and fruits. Many plants are wind pollinated (e.g., grasses, small grain crops, and conifers), but others rely on animals, primarily insects, to carry pollen from flower to flower.</p>
<p>Plants attract pollinators by offering rewards, such as pollen, nectar and floral oils. Flowers also provide shelter and gathering places for pollinating insects. Flowers depend on repeat visits by pollinators, so many offer small rewards repeated at regular intervals to encourage return trips.</p>
<h3>
<b>How Pollinators Find Flowers</b></h3>
<p>Flowers use a variety of strategies to attract pollinators, including petal color, scent, UV light patterns and nectar guides. Bees in particular use floral qualities such as polarized light patterns, petal texture, temperature, humidity, and electrostatic charge to help them locate flowers.</p>
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Swallowtail butterfly drinks nectar from bottlebrush buckeye flowers.</td>
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Lines and coloration on petals help pollinators quickly find rewards.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h3>
<b>The Importance of Animal Pollinators</b></h3>
<p>Animal pollinators are essential to the food we eat. Some scientists estimate that one in three bites of food we take can be traced back to the role of animal pollinators. A 2012 study at Cornell University estimates that bees and other insect pollinators contribute $29 billion annually to U.S. farm income by pollinating 58 crops, including almonds, apples, berries and squash. Pollinators play a key role in the production of many foods in the home garden.</p>
<p>In addition to their role on farms and gardens, pollinators are essential to the survival of native plants. Approximately 75% of all plant species depend on animal pollinators to move pollen from plant to plant. Without the work of pollinators, many native plants couldn't produce seeds to ensure the plant's next generation. These seeds and the fruit that often accompany them also provide important food sources for approximately 25% of birds and many mammal species.</p>
<p>Key animal pollinators include honey bees, native bees, flies, moths and other insects, as well as birds and some mammals.</p>
<h3>
<b style="font-family: proximanova, Arial, sans-serif;">Bees: Essential Pollinators</b></h3>
<p>Bees are considered the most important pollinators because they are uniquely adapted to gather and transport pollen. Bees rely on flowers for food to feed their young, so they actively seek out and visit flowers. Bees' fuzzy bodies and branched hairs help female bees collect pollen into special structures, such as pollen baskets on the hind legs or long hairs on the thorax or abdomen.</p>
<p>Bees also forage for food close to their nesting sites, a practice called central place foraging. Bees visit one or only a few flowering species during each foraging trip, even when other flowers are available. This behavior, called flower fidelity or flower constancy, makes bees especially reliable couriers to move pollen to receptive flowers.</p>
<p>The western honey bee is the most dependable agricultural pollinator of many crops. It is not native to North America. Ohio is home to approximately 500 native bee species. These diverse bees play important roles as pollinators of agricultural crops and native plants. (See Ohio Bee Identification Guide at <a href="http://go.osu.edu/ohiobees">go.osu.edu/ohiobees</a> to learn more about Ohio's native bees.)</p>
<p>Bees can be divided into three broad groups: social bees (bumble bees), solitary ground-nesting bees (such as mining bees), and solitary cavity-nesting bees (including mason bees and leafcutting bees).</p>
<p>Bees are often confused with wasps. Wasps may visit flowers for nectar, but they rely on insects or spiders—not pollen—to feed their young. Solitary wasps are beneficial predators; they are rarely aggressive. Social wasps, such as yellowjackets and hornets can become aggressive and may sting repeatedly.</p>
<p>Social bees like bumble bees will usually only sting when defending their nest. Solitary bees such as mining bees and leafcutting bees are not aggressive. Many of these bees can't penetrate human skin with their stingers.</p>
<p>Animal pollinators and bees in particular are currently facing many threats, such as lack of forage (flowers for food), pests, pathogens, pesticides, invasive plants, climate change and lack of suitable nesting sites. Gardeners can play an important role in pollinator conservation by providing plants and nesting sites for pollinators and by adapting gardening practices to protect pollinators.</p>
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The western honey bee is a key agricultural pollinator. <em>(Photo courtesy of Karina Weatherbee.)</em></td>
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Native mining bees frequently nest in sandy soils on south-facing slopes.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h2>
<b style="color: rgb(188, 0, 1); font-family: proximanova, Arial, sans-serif;">What Gardeners Can Do</b></h2>
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Some cultivars with complex petal arrangements and unusual colors are less attractive to pollinators, such as this 'Hot Papaya' purple coneflower.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h3>
<b>Grow More Flowers</b></h3>
<p>Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants can provide food and nesting habitat for pollinators. An abundance of different flower shapes, sizes, and colors will appeal to a variety of pollinators. Grouping plants together in sunny locations helps pollinators find and feed on desirable flowers while expending less energy in the search for plants.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">By observing flowers in the garden and taking note of any flower visitors, gardeners can learn which plants are most attractive to pollinators. Additionally, many plant lists are available to help with the selection of plants for pollinators (find plant lists at </span><a href="http://go.osu.edu/gardensandbees">go.osu.edu/gardensandbees</a>.</p>
<p>Different flower shapes and colors attract different pollinators. For example, red tubular flowers with a nectar reward tend to attract hummingbirds. Daisy-like flowers that provide nectar and pollen in shallow flowers are often visited by bees and flies with shorter mouthparts.</p>
<p>Some cultivars and hybrids don't offer the pollen and nectar rewards that so-called "straight species" do, since the quality and quantity of nectar and pollen are sometimes lost during breeding. Plants bred with "double" flower petals are often inaccessible to pollinators. Gardeners can include less refined plants along with plant cultivars to offer broad pollinator appeal.</p>
<h3>
<b>Bloom Through the Season</b></h3>
<p>Different species of bees, butterflies and other pollinators are active in Ohio at different times of the year. Queen bumble bees, mourning cloak butterflies and blue orchard bees are active in early spring. Monarch butterflies, worker bumble bees and worker honey bees forage from spring into the cooler days of autumn.</p>
<p>Gardeners can help pollinators by planting flowers with a sequence of bloom throughout the growing season, from early spring through late fall. Early-blooming trees such as maples, willows and redbuds, and late-season perennials like asters and goldenrod provide important food at especially critical times. Consult <a href="http://oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/">oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/</a> for a sequence of native and non-native woody flowering plants for Ohio.</p>
<h3>
<b>Key Plants for Pollinators</b></h3>
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Early-blooming maples provide an important pollen and nectar source for bees in early spring.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">While literally hundreds of garden plants provide important sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators, try these garden-worthy additions:</span></p>
<ul><li>
<b>Trees</b>: maple, crabapple, linden, serviceberry</li>
<li>
<b>Shrubs</b>: ninebark, pussy willow, sumac, viburnum</li>
<li>
<b>Perennials</b>: aster, hyssop, milkweed, purple coneflower</li>
<li>
<b>Annuals</b>: cosmos, marigold, sunflower, zinnia</li>
<li>
<b>Herbs</b>: basil, borage, catmint, lavender, oregano</li>
</ul><h3>
<b>Caterpillar Host Plants</b></h3>
<p>While adult butterflies will drink nectar from many types of flowers, immature caterpillar stages require specific plant species to complete development. Monarch caterpillars require milkweed plants, pearl crescent caterpillars feed on New England asters, and black swallowtail caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family such as parsley and dill. Include butterfly host plants as well as flowers that provide a nectar source to attract egg-laying adult butterflies. Learn more about specific caterpillar food requirements in the ODNR field guide "Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio" at <a href="http://go.osu.edu/ODNRbutterflies">go.osu.edu/ODNRbutterflies</a>.</p>
<h3>
<b>Vegetable Garden Pollination</b></h3>
<p>Flowers planted in and near vegetable gardens and fruit plantings help bring pollinators and other beneficial insects into the garden. Annuals, perennials and herbs provide important food sources for insect pollinators, especially in the heat of summer. Consider planting sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds and cosmos in or near the vegetable garden. Herbs such as lavender, basil, borage, dill, fennel, oregano and catnip will also attract many pollinators.</p>
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<h3>
<b>Plant Natives</b></h3>
<p>Locally native plants attract native pollinators. Native plants offer nectar, pollen and other nutrients in quantities that native pollinators need. Consider adding more locally native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to the garden.</p>
<h3>
<b>Provide Nesting Sites</b></h3>
<p>Brush piles, dead standing trees and clumping grasses all provide important nesting and overwintering habitat for bees and butterflies. Cavity-nesting bees make their nests in the pith of twigs like elderberry or sumac, or in abandoned beetle burrows in dead trees. Solitary ground-nesting bees usually nest in sandy, well-drained soils on south-facing slopes.</p>
<p>Artificial nesting sites can be made or purchased to encourage cavity-nesting bees. These structures require routine maintenance, and even periodic replacement, to prevent the build-up of bee pathogens and parasites.</p>
<p>Bumble bees prefer to nest in pre-existing cavities with some form of insulation such as old rodent nests or bird nests, both above and below ground. They will also nest under clumps of grass. Purchased or constructed bumble bee nesting structures are generally considered unsuccessful at attracting bumble bee queens.</p>
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Bumble bees will frequently nest under clump-forming grasses.</td>
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Dandelions provide an important source of nectar and pollen for pollinators.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><h4>
<b>Other Considerations</b></h4>
<p>A water source in the garden helps thirsty pollinators, especially in the heat of summer. A shallow bowl or birdbath can provide sufficient water. A few sticks placed in the bowl will provide a place for bees and other insects to land and perch, thus preventing insect drowning. Additionally, a muddy puddle may be visited by pollinators like butterflies and mason bees.</p>
<p>Limit pesticide use in the garden. Pesticides can have negative effects on bees and other insects, killing them outright or affecting behavior, longevity or susceptibility to disease. Use an integrated pest management approach with multiple strategies to reduce pest damage. Contact your local Ohio State University Extension office for pest management assistance (see <a href="http://extension.osu.edu">extension.osu.edu</a>).</p>
<p>Many plants frequently considered weeds do provide food for pollinators, including dandelions, milkweed, goldenrod and clover. Consider tolerating weeds with benefits to pollinators. On the other hand, many invasive weeds outcompete native plants important to pollinators. Eliminate invasive weeds such as privet, garlic mustard, and buckthorn.</p>
<p>To learn more about pollinators and pollinator plants, consult these resources:</p>
<ul><li>
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: <a href="http://xerces.org">xerces.org</a></li>
<li>
Pollinator Partnership: <a href="http://pollinator.org">pollinator.org</a></li>
<li>
The Ohio State University Bee Lab: <a href="http://beelab.osu.edu">beelab.osu.edu</a></li>
</ul></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/horticulture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Horticulture</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bees</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gardening" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gardening</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 05:00:00 +0000sysadmin417 at https://ohioline.osu.eduBumble Bees and Solitary Bees & Wasps in Urban Landscapeshttps://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2143-10
<div class="field field-name-field-ol-unique-id field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">HYG-2143</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-revised field-type-datetime field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2011-10-05T00:00:00-04:00">10/05/2011</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-authors field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">David J. Shetlar</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In most situations it is best not to eliminate ground-nesting bees and wasps since they are valuable pollinators of agricultural and landscape plants. Many are useful predators that help control harmful pests. Though the social bumble bees will defend their nests, most of these bees and wasps are solitary insects that will only sting if you try to capture them or restrain them! Nests or burrows located in areas frequented by humans may require controls in order to prevent human contact and the chance of being stung. The best option is to avoid the area where the bees or wasps are active during the time of year they are present.</p>
<h3>
<b>Bumble Bees</b></h3>
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Bumble bee worker at flower.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Bumble bees are stout-bodied, robust insects with hairy bodies that are banded with black or yellow. Some species may have orange or red markings. Bumble bees are truly social insects, living in annual colonies that are formed in soil cavities, old rodent burrows, or similar voids. Bumble bees have the head distinctly narrower than the thorax. Carpenter bees have the head as broad as the thorax and carpenter bees usually have a shiny patch on the tips of their abdomens. There are three castes, ranging in size from ⅓ to 1⅜ inches long: large overwintering queens, males (called drones), and much smaller workers (all non-reproductive females). Both the queens and workers have stingers with which they can inflict multiple stings, unlike honey bees. New queens, produced and mated in the fall, overwinter under loose bark, in hollow trees, or other protected places. They emerge in May, and search for old nests of field mice or rabbits, holes in the ground, old stumps, abandoned mattresses, old bales of straw or hay in barns, cornhusks in corncribs, along foundations, etc. Colonies last only one summer. There are usually less than 50 individuals in a colony and nests are generally found in habitats where flowering plants are nearby. The queen establishes the nest site by lining an existing cavity with dry grass or moss. She constructs wax pots and provisions them with pollen moistened with nectar to produce a stored food called "bee bread." In other wax chambers, eggs are deposited and larvae are reared. The first brood of spring numbers 5 to 10, all female workers, who enlarge the nest, build more wax chambers, gather food, and feed the larvae. The queen continues to lay eggs throughout the summer and by late summer, drones and new queens are produced. These mate during a nuptial flight and fertilized females seek overwintering sites. Remaining males and workers in the colony die with frost or the first hard freeze. Nests can occasionally be detected by the presence of workers flying in and out of the entrance. Often, nests are not noticed and alarmed workers will often "dive bomb" animals that get close. Bumble bee nests are occasionally hit or run over by field mowers! The irritated workers will aggressively pursue such intruders and will sting repeatedly. Bumble bees are important pollinators of certain kinds of clover due to their long tongues. Favored flowers are sunflowers, thistles, nettles, roses, partridge peas, raspberries, alfalfa, and clovers.</p>
<h3>
<b>Ground Bees or Digger Bees</b></h3>
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Andrenid ground bee at her burrow opening.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>These bees are solitary, but they often live in common areas where a few to dozens of burrows can be found in a relatively small area. There are several species in Ohio, but almost all are a dark brown to tan color and are moderately hairy. The bees are about ½-inch long. Both males and females overwinter in ground burrows and emerge in late April into early May. Upon initial emergence, there can be many of these bees hovering back and forth over the turf or ground. The females clean out old burrows or construct new burrows in ground that has little or no plant cover. They can throw up soil into a pile that is commonly an inch high by three to four inches in diameter. The burrow opening is maintained in the middle of this mound. The females seem to spend a lot of time just sitting in their burrow openings while the males hover overhead, waiting for chances to mate. Eventually, the females fly to flowers where they collect nectar and pollen. This is deposited into chambers that are dug along the sides of their vertical burrows. Once a chamber is filled, an egg is laid, the chamber is sealed, and a new chamber is dug. This activity can persist for two to six weeks. Eventually the overwintered males and females die and the burrows soon become invisible after several rains … until the next spring.</p>
<p>These bees are very docile and the females will only sting if you try to capture and hold one. They prefer to fly away than fight to protect their burrows!</p>
<h3>
<b>Sweat Bees</b></h3>
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Halictid sweat bee at flower.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>These bees are usually small and black to dark brown or they may have iridescent green colors on the body. Females usually nest in rotting wood or under loose bark of dead trees. The females dig 1/8- to 3/16-inch diameter, cylindrical tunnels that end in larger chambers. Sweat bees measure 3/16- to 5/6-inch long and are sparsely covered with fine hairs. They frequently alight on sweaty hands, arms, or legs to obtain salt. During movement, if the bee is caught in a fold of skin, it can inflict a sharp, pin-prick-like sting that rarely hurts for more than a few minutes. These bees are common at flowers, gathering pollen and nectar to feed their young. They are considered to be beneficial pollinators and only sting when they are trapped in folds of skin or under clothing.</p>
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<h3>
<b>Leafcutting Bees</b></h3>
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Leafcutter bee with full pollen sac under abdomen.</td>
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Leafcutter bee brood chamber in rose cane.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>Adults resemble honey bees, but are usually darker in color (black to brown-black and the females have the underside of the abdomen covered with white to yellowish hair). The females have many long, stout hairs underneath the abdomen that form a pollen basket usually loaded with pollen. Unlike social honey bees, leafcutter bees are solitary with each female digging a burrow in rotting logs, old wood-boring beetle emergence holes, but they prefer to nest in hollow stems or twigs. They will commonly chew out the pith of stems or branches that have been recently pruned or have broken. After preparing a nesting burrow, the females cut out oval, half-inch long sections from leaves. These are used to line the burrows. Circular leaf sections are used to plug the ends of chambers that have been provisioned with pollen and nectar. An egg is laid in each cell after it is provisioned, and three to a half dozen cells are commonly found in a finished nesting burrow. These bees do not defend their nest territory aggressively and are not a stinging hazard to humans. However, females do have a stinger that can be used if they are captured. They commonly build nests in the pithy stems of roses and use segments of rose leaves to line the burrows. Rose growers are quite intolerant of this damage! Rose growers often plug the cut rose canes with a piece of wood (a piece of match stick works well) or they coat the cut end with melted candle wax.</p>
<h3>
<b>Digger Wasps</b></h3>
<p>There are several species of wasps generally called digger wasps. They are often black with bands of white or yellow on the abdomen and/or thorax. Some species are blue-black in color and a couple are reddish-brown with shiny golden hairs. All are beneficial predators and each species specializes on one type of prey. There are species that capture and paralyze caterpillars, stink bugs, grasshoppers, crickets, or horse/deer flies! Each digger wasp female digs a burrow into the soil and most prefer open soil that is sandy or light in texture. Along the main burrow, chambers are dug out and each chamber will then be provisioned with the prey of choice. After a chamber is filled, an egg is attached to one of the paralyzed prey. The wasp larvae then devour the still living prey and by late fall, the mature larva pupates but waits until the next spring or summer to emerge.</p>
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Bembix digger wasp digging out burrow.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>These solitary wasps are very active and quick-moving insects. They will often take flight and fly menacingly back and forth in front of any intruder that happens to get near their burrow. They will not sting, but their loud buzzing can be very disturbing to people who fear wasps and stings! The females are capable of stinging and will do so if you try to capture and hold them.</p>
<p>One of the largest wasps in this group is the cicada killer. This two-inch long wasp with red-orange wings captures annual cicadas to provision its brood chambers. The males, which have no stinger, will often try to fend off any moving animal (including humans) that enter into "their" territory. They are known to actually strike people on the head and shoulders in an attempt to encourage you to move away from the general nesting site!</p>
<p>These digger wasps have become an increasing problem in athletic facilities and playgrounds where sand is used as a substrate. The best way to discourage these wasps from nesting in the sand is to use a fiber cloth base (to allow for rain drainage) but keep the sand depth to four inches or less.</p>
<h3>
<b>Grass Carrying Wasp</b></h3>
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Grass carrying wasp feeding on nectar.</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>This curious solitary wasp is about an inch long, with the abdomen ending in a swollen club. They are a shiny black with a bluish tint. They have the habit of nesting in long, narrow cavities under the bark of trees. However, they often discover the half-inch square channels of double-hung windows! They collect pieces of grass and line the burrows with this grass. A central chamber is then formed and provisioned with paralyzed tree crickets.</p>
<p>The nests and the remains are often discovered when old double-hung windows are opened after not being used for some time. Simply clean out the materials and stuff fiberglass insulation into any exposed window sash openings.</p>
<h3>
<b>Control</b></h3>
<p>Since ground-nesting bees and wasps will only sting if one attempts to restrain or handle them, controls are not recommended. These insects also provide valuable services of pollination and control of pest insects. Most nest in open areas or when there is thin turf with soil showing through. Attempt to get better vegetative cover in these areas or cover with mulch. Where playgrounds or recreational facilities use sand as the desired substrate, improve drainage and isolate the sand layer from the underlying soil with woven ground cloth. This will allow for drainage, but prevent the wasps from getting to soil, which is better for constructing brood chambers. In the rare instances where control is needed, there are several aerosol insecticides registered for bee and wasp control. These only work by contact with the wasp since most of these products have little to no residual action.</p>
<hr /><p style="font-size:80%"><em>This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registration, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author, The Ohio State University, and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-categories field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topics:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/home-yard-and-garden" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Home, Yard and Garden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/topic/horticulture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Horticulture</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/topic/insects-and-pests" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Insects and Pests</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bees</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/pollinators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pollinators</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-ol-departments field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Program Area(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/program-area/entomology" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entomology</a></div></div></div>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000sysadmin164 at https://ohioline.osu.edu